St Andrews Bangkok alumnus paves path from Chulalongkorn University to Columbia MBA and a management consulting career in New York

From Bangkok to New York, Anda’s journey reflects determination, creativity, and global ambition. A proud graduate of St Andrews Bangkok in 2017, she earned First Class Honours in Economics at Chulalongkorn University and broadened her international perspective through an exchange at Erasmus University Rotterdam. 

Her professional career began at Agoda, where she gained experience in marketing, strategy, and analytics, and founded a Thai speciality chocolate brand that strengthened her resilience and leadership. In 2026, Anda completed her MBA at Columbia Business School, continuing a path defined by initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to making an impact. 

What year did you graduate from St Andrews, and which diploma programme did you complete?

My name is Anda, and I graduated from St Andrews in 2017 after completing the IB Diploma Programme.

I completed my undergraduate studies at Chulalongkorn University, graduating with First Class Honours from the Bachelor of Arts Program in Economics (International Program), also known as the EBA Program, in Bangkok. I also studied abroad at Erasmus University Rotterdam. After which I spent over four years at Agoda, working across Supply Marketing, Corporate Strategy, and People Analytics. Alongside my corporate career, I founded a Thai speciality chocolate brand, which taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, creativity, and resilience.

I did my postgraduate studies at Columbia Business School in New York in 2026, graduating with an MBA and a job offer at McKinsey & Company as a management consultant. 

Were you involved in any clubs, sports, or activities?  

I helped fundraise for the Nepal earthquake in 2015. Even small contributions reminded me of the importance of community and giving back.

How did St Andrews Bangkok prepare you for university and your career?  

One of STA’s greatest strengths is its diverse community. I built lasting friendships with classmates from many nationalities, which helped me appreciate different cultures and perspectives, skills I now use daily in my career. Back then, before the new High School opened, we had a relatively small cohort, which also encouraged us to be proactive and take ownership of ideas. That mindset of taking initiative has stayed with me through university, entrepreneurship, and my professional journey.

What was your favourite subject at STA?

Design & Technology. I loved how it combined creativity with practical outcomes.

What is your favourite memory from your time at STA?  

Spirit Week during Year 12. My graduating class dressed up according to different themes each day, and we gathered in the courtyard for group photos. Those moments captured the friendships and joy we shared before graduation, and I still treasure those photos today.

What’s something you wish you had known in High School?  

That the buffer for making mistakes shrinks as you get older. High school is one of the best times to responsibly experiment, step outside your comfort zone, and discover what you’re capable of. Don’t be so conservative that you miss opportunities you’ll later regret.

What advice would you give current students?  

Always treat people well. Your reputation often arrives before you do, and it takes years to build but only moments to lose. People may forget your grades, but they will remember how you treated others. 

Also, be proactive; if there’s a club you want to join or an idea you want to pursue, don’t wait for someone else to invite you. Time passes faster than you think, so make the most of every opportunity.